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Dental Decay in Albany

Tucked inside the first batch of bills that Gov. David Paterson signed last week was a law involving state dentists that Joel Miller, a Republican assemblyman from Poughkeepsie, called “nothing more than proof that corruption is alive and well in the State Legislature.”

Dr. Miller, the only dentist in the Legislature, voted against the bill. And although it would seem to be a small matter — giving the state dental society control over New York City’s dental society — it is an almost perfect example of what’s wrong with the state government.

Here’s the drill: Roy Lasky, one of Albany’s most powerful lobbyists, controls the New York State Dental Association with a salary that can run to $300,000 a year, plus benefits. When some New York City dentists began to question how their dues were being spent, Mr. Lasky called on his friends in the Legislature for help. Lawmakers dutifully passed a bill that allows the state organization run by Mr. Lasky to take control of the city’s group, including those who questioned his authority. The state group might also be able to take over the greater New York dental conference that generates millions of dollars in concession fees each year.

Mr. Lasky and his supporters have made this out as a minor dispute that still requires a state law. Fortunately, Sam Roberts of The Times began following this bill through the Legislature and uncovered the details of how Albany passes what is known as “a contract bill.” Translation: whoever gives campaign money gets legislation passed, usually with great ease.

Since January, the Empire Dental Political Action Committee, the political arm of Mr. Lasky’s association, has given almost $350,000 to New York’s political establishment, and Mr. Lasky’s bill slid quickly through both legislative houses.

What is perhaps more surprising, Governor Paterson signed Mr. Lasky’s bill on July 7. On July 8, Mr. Lasky’s dental association donated $25,000 to the Paterson for Governor campaign fund.

The governor’s people insist there was no quid pro quo and that those opposing this particular bill have also contributed to the governor. Either the new state integrity commission or the attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, should investigate why this small new law came with such a large and questionable price tag.

A version of this editorial appears in print on , on Page A18 of the New York edition with the headline: Dental Decay in Albany. Today's Paper|Subscribe